Films › Theodore Melfi

Hidden Figures (2016)

Film

DirectorTheodore Melfi

Meta takes1

Figures

Characters

The character of Al Harrison
The protagonists' simultaneous struggle against racism and sexism

Form & technique

The film's overarching narrative of individual success
The protagonists' impeccable behavior, dress, and speech
The film's overall 'feel-good' emotional tone → The Smile Tax

Tropes

The 'white savior' moment where Al Harrison desegregates the bathrooms
The modern-sounding R&B/pop soundtrack by Pharrell Williams
The film's cultural impact on girls and women in STEM

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Office Space (1999) — via The Smile Tax
Hunger (2008) — via The Smile Tax
Betty Blue (1986) — via The Smile Tax
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Memories of Matsuko (2006) — via The Smile Tax
Wonder Woman (2017) — via The Smile Tax